Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 | Difficulty: Medium | Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal

A delicious fusion of Cajun flavors and Italian pasta, these Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are a crowd-pleaser! Tender jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a spicy Cajun-spiced chicken and cheese mixture, then baked in a creamy Alfredo sauce for an irresistible dish.

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Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions (about 9-11 minutes) until al dente.

• Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Cajun Chicken Filling

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.

• Stir in shredded chicken, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.

• Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully combined.

• Remove from heat and mix in mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.

3. Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.

• Add Cajun seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth.

• Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Spread ½ cup of the Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Stuff each cooked pasta shell with 2-3 tbsp of the chicken filling and arrange them in the dish.

• Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.

• Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake & Serve

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

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Tips & Variations

✅ Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning for more or less heat.
✅ Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for extra spice or ricotta for creaminess.
✅ Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
✅ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked shells for up to 3 months.

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Final Thoughts

These Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and creamy—ideal for dinner parties or family meals! The bold Cajun flavors pair beautifully with the rich Alfredo sauce, making every bite irresistible.